Kante was brought to the King Power Stadium during the summer transfer window, and he has instantly made an impression for Claudio Ranieri’s side.

The energetic central midfielder has formed an effective partnership with Danny Drinkwater in Leicester’s engine room, and Thompson feels the pair complement each other well.

“They’re good players, Kante and Drinkwater,” Thompson said. “We touched on it earlier on that you need a certain type of player in your side to allow the others to actually function, and these two do it.

“Kante is very important. It’s great having a holding midfielder, but this boy sets patterns – even more than Drinkwater, who sits a bit more.

“He goes and seeks out players. He’s very quick on his feet and he nicks balls off players. Yes, he can still put in a tackle, but you watch how he plays, he gets close to players and he takes the ball off them.

“He’s another one, in a different area, who has great pace for a holding midfield player.”

Kante’s performances have added steel to Leicester’s midfield, and he has helped the Midlands outfit to make a blistering start to the 2015/16 campaign.

Leicester are currently sat in third place in the Premier League table, and they have defied expectations with their performances.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.